Nearly two years after the death of Lower Hutt toddler Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, known as ‘Baby Ru’, police have made significant progress in their investigation into the brutal killing.
Ru, who died from severe blunt force trauma just days before his second birthday in October 2023, has been at the centre of Operation Huia, which has focused on three people of interest.
Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard confirmed evidence is now being assessed to determine criminal culpability, while Ru’s mother, Storm Wall, who has consistently denied involvement, told state-funded media of her longing for justice and the chance to tell her son at his grave that charges have finally been laid.
As the family prepares to mark what would have been his fourth birthday, Wall described the grief of living with his loss, saying she will never stop seeking answers for her son’s death.
Wellington District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard told state media police were assessing the evidence gathered during the investigation to determine criminal culpability. No further details have been released.
The killer should’ve been swinging from a tree long ago.
Our injustice system is far too slow.
He’s such a gorgeous little boy 😢💔